REMSA dispatched some units in response to Monday morning's shooting at the GSR and helped transport victims to local hospitals. They're one of a handful of local medical agencies ready to respond to emergencies like this one.
Director of EMS Operations Todd Kerfoot says preparation starts with a layered approach to training. New hires are trained how to work with local law enforcement and firefighters, and given specific training.
"They'll get an hour and a half of active shooter training," Kerfoot says, "Essentially, how to treat individuals based around the wounding patterns that we see in those types of incidents."
Kerfoot says training also includes working within the Rescue Task Force. It's how REMSA works with other first responders. Dispatch will give crews a "rally point" to respond to while they wait for the go-ahead from law enforcement. Once that happens, they move in quickly and start treatment.
"And then our real emphasis is only providing lifesaving treatment on scene and prioritizing rapid transport," Kerfoot says.
Once a 911 call comes in, Kerfoot says REMSA acts fast to assess the situation and send out the appropriate resources while listening to scanners and other phone calls.
Renown Regional Medical Center has a similar setup.
Director of Nursing Jimmy Lao says they have several teams on standby in different departments ready to respond to emergencies.
"These teams are from the OR, the ICU, and the emergency department," he says.
Lao says this includes the nursing staff and trauma teams.
While EMS is on the way to the scene, Kerfoot says it's crucial to perform first aid - once you've secured your personal safety.
The first step is to stop the bleeding by applying pressure or packing the wound with gauze.
"That is going to be critical because then you're buying them a lot of time," Kerfoot says.
If there's multiple victims, he says to move down the line quickly.
"That is the number one thing you can do is really, blood run to move down as many patients as possible," Kerfoot says.
You can find more information about REMSA and their first aid classes by checking out the REMSA website.
